The "Carrot" and "Stick" Debate: LET'S KILL IT

Finally (how can one shout above an eternal din of nonsense?) can I put this one to rest????

There is a carrot. There is a stick. The carrot is to tempt. BUT THE STICK IS NOT TO HIT. Where the fuck did this mismanaged trope come from? Hello! HELLLOOO! The STICK was originally tied to the head of a donkey to carry the CARROT, so the DONKEY would eternally march in search of the CARROT, which was tied to a STICK in front of his FACE. Get it? GET IT? The metaphor was that the stupid donkey would wander eternally in search of the carrot. NOT THAT ANYONE WOULD BE BASHED BY ANY STICK.

You are mashing it up with another phrase, "Speak softly but carry a big stick."

Get it? GET IT??? There is no one carrying a carrot in one hand and a stick in the other. Get it? DOES ANYONE FINALLY FUCKING GET IT?

Good. Got that off my chest nicely.